AGP Executive Report

Public Finance Reform: Gambian Ministry of Finance officials have begun benchmarking in Uganda on public investment management, focusing on gaps in project conceptualisation, evaluation, implementation, and monitoring. Election Transparency: Rights and justice groups are urging 2026 presidential coalitions to publish their signed agreements/MOUs, warning voters can’t make informed choices if the terms stay hidden. Opposition Coalition Signals: Foñi Kansala lawmaker Almameh Gibba says Yahya Jammeh’s “No To Alliance” movement will soon announce its position, with a likely push to join an opposition coalition—depending on coalition terms and Jammeh’s return. Security & Crime: Interpol-linked border checks around Banjul flagged 74 stolen vehicles after 13,000 database queries. Separately, DLEAG says it arrested a Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a drug-processing machine. Migration: Mauritania reports rescuing 161 migrants (including 17 children) after a boat left Banjul and spent about eight days at sea. Rohingya Legal Case: Gambia’s AG says the ICJ verdict on the Rohingya genocide case is expected in October 2026, with Bangladesh and OIC partners urged to support the case and push for voluntary returns. AU Security Talks: The AU Commission chair and The Gambia’s defence minister discussed peace and security in West Africa, with focus on the Sahel and Casamance. Political Permits: Presidential aspirant Mariama Khan alleges police delayed her permit for a nationwide mobilisation tour despite a February application.

Rohingya Justice Push: Bangladesh and The Gambia used the OIC foreign ministers meeting in Jeddah to press for stronger support for The Gambia’s ICJ Rohingya genocide case, with The Gambia’s AG Dawda A. Jallow saying the ICJ verdict is expected in October 2026 and calling for safe, dignified, voluntary repatriation. OIC Funding Appeal: Bangladesh’s Humaiun Kobir urged OIC states to contribute to the voluntary trust fund backing The Gambia’s ICJ case. Diplomatic Meetings: Qatar’s Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Gambia’s foreign minister Sering Modou Njie on the sidelines, focusing on bilateral cooperation. Electoral Readiness: President Adama Barrow met a pre-election assessment delegation led by Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Prof. Attahiru Jega, with NDI engagements aimed at assessing preparations for the Dec. 5, 2026 presidential election. Tribalism Debate: A fact-check rejected claims that Mandinkas are no longer The Gambia’s largest ethnic group, citing the 2024 census (Mandinkas 34.4%, Fulas 25.0%). Public Service Reform Learning: Gambian officials visited Nigeria’s FCSC in Abuja to study public service reforms and discuss how to adapt them at home. Migration at Sea: Mauritania intercepted a boat carrying 161 migrants (including Gambians) after it left Banjul eight days earlier, highlighting the continuing West Africa–Atlantic route risks.

Diplomacy: In Jeddah, Gambia’s Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie met Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi on the sidelines of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, focusing on boosting bilateral cooperation and shared issues. Politics & elections: The NPP-led Alliance warned against attempts to undermine the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) or announce “parallel results,” calling it an assault on The Gambia’s constitutional order. Opposition economic promises: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe pledged, if elected, to cut the presidential salary to about half and reduce State House spending, including household costs he says should not be paid by taxpayers. Tribalism debate: Unite Movement for Change condemned tribal remarks attributed to Imam Darou Sanyang against Talib Ahmed Bensouda, warning such rhetoric fuels division. Education ties: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, noting nearly 400 students have studied in China since relations resumed and announcing more scholarships for September. Sports (Gambia-linked): Football federation stakeholders in The Gambia elect a new president Saturday, with candidates issuing final messages; meanwhile, Yankuba Minteh’s future remains a live transfer issue as Liverpool weigh options. Call for safeguarding support: Buzz Women Gambia opened applications for a Safeguarding Consultant (deadline 30 August) to strengthen safeguarding systems and training.

Gambia Politics & Governance: Presidential aspirant Mariama Khan says she will end political and social corruption, as coalition-building continues with reports including UDP marking 30 years and APRC extending an alliance with NPP. Elections & Parties: UDP marks 30 years with a call for unity and accountability, while Prince Sanyang launches a movement to contest the presidential election and Coalition 2026 signs an alliance. Regional Football Governance: CAF assigned key roles to Sierra Leonean officials for Gambia-related AFCON 2027 qualifying work, underscoring how Gambia hosts regional matches tied to wider CAF administration. Transparency & Fisheries: Gambia is among signatories to the Mombasa Declaration pushing vessel and fisheries data transparency, with FiTI and CFT warning that commitments must translate into verifiable implementation. Public Health: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in The Gambia, pointing to a major employer action gap. International Links: Chinese Embassy in The Gambia hosted a Bantaba for Gambian degree-study students in China, reinforcing education cooperation as diplomatic ties mark a decade.

Fisheries Transparency: The Gambia joined international efforts under the Mombasa Declaration to boost disclosure in global fishing fleets, but FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency warn that signing is only the start and implementation must be verifiable and stakeholder-led. Nutrition & Local Catch: A new study links nutrition gains to keeping more fish in West Africa, naming The Gambia among countries that could benefit if fisheries access and management prioritize food and nutrition security. Media & Accountability: CJID opened applications for the 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards across West Africa, including The Gambia, with a September 12 deadline for work published between Sept 1, 2025 and Aug 31, 2026. Public Health & Workplaces: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day finds 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging businesses to move from awareness to real workplace action. Governance & Debt: An opinion piece spotlights The Gambia’s domestic debt and borrowing costs, arguing the country must confront whether growth can actually carry the debt burden. Education & Skills: A report argues Africa’s education push should include social and emotional learning, not just literacy and numeracy. China-Gambia Education Links: The Chinese Embassy held a “Bantaba” for Gambian students studying in China, with both sides stressing continued cooperation in higher education.

Political alliances: APRC leaders led by National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta (FTJ) say they will keep their alliance with the governing NPP ahead of the December presidential election, citing continuity and stability—while a rival APRC faction loyal to former President Jammeh accuses FTJ of betrayal. Presidential politics: Presidential aspirant Mariama Khan says her bid aims to end “extensive” social and political corruption and rebuild ethical leadership and national dignity. Local governance: UDP marks 30 years with a call for unity and accountability, including renewed criticism of unresolved issues tied to Solo Sandeng’s death in detention. Security and governance: The US Coast Guard keeps 10 African countries, including The Gambia, on heightened port-security restrictions after assessing weak antiterrorism measures. Immigration policy: The UK Ancestry Visa scheme is highlighted as a route for Commonwealth citizens (including Gambians) with a UK-born grandparent to live and work in Britain for five years. Economy and debt debate: A new commentary argues The Gambia must confront the cost of domestic borrowing and whether growth can realistically carry the debt burden. Health and workplaces: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, including in The Gambia.

Political Parties & Elections: The UDP marked 30 years in Brikama, with Ousainou Darboe urging unity and accountability, and highlighting unresolved issues tied to Solo Sandeng’s death in detention. Election Politics: APRC’s National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta (FTJ) says the party will keep its alliance with the governing NPP into the December presidential election, citing stability and development. Presidential Bids: Mariama Khan says she will tackle “extensive” social and political corruption if elected, while presidential aspirant Prince Sanyang launches a movement to contest. Governance & Economy: A commentary warns The Gambia’s domestic borrowing is becoming the most expensive “infrastructure,” raising questions about whether growth can carry the debt burden. Health & Work: A malaria workplace survey across 10 West African countries (including The Gambia) finds 62% of workers get no employer malaria prevention support, calling it a “leadership vacancy.” International Watch: The US keeps 10 African countries, including The Gambia, on heightened port-security restrictions after Nigeria was cleared.

Gambian Politics: A new opinion poll by Gambia Participates puts President Adama Barrow on course for The Gambia’s 5 December presidential election, giving him a 51% chance of winning versus Ousainu Darboe’s 23% and Talib Bensouda’s 12%, with regional differences showing Barrow leading in Banjul (60%) and Basse (67%). Coalition 2026: Coalition 2026 has signed a political alliance agreement, with Talib Bensouda saying it is “game over” for Barrow and promising action against crime, corruption, poverty and tribalism. Election Watch: Gambia Participates director Marr Nyang denies claims that parties or candidates funded the poll, saying it was financed by the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Public Finance: A commentary warns The Gambia’s domestic debt has risen to about D55.43bn, stressing the risk of heavy reliance on short-term borrowing and calling for scrutiny of cost, maturity and what borrowing delivers. New Movement: “Prince” Ebrima Sanyang launches EFF-Gambia, pitching “Freedom Stores” to cut food prices, plus jobs, education and healthcare support ahead of the December vote.

Gambia Election Watch: A new opinion poll by Gambia Participates says President Adama Barrow leads the 5 December 2026 presidential race with 51% electability, followed by Ousainu Darboe (23%) and Talib Bensouda (12%), with regional splits showing Barrow strongest in Banjul (60%) and Basse (67%). Political Integrity Row: Gambia Participates director Marr Nyang rejects claims that parties or candidates funded the poll, saying it was financed by the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Coalition 2026: Coalition 2026 has signed a Political Alliance Agreement of eight parties and movements; Talib Bensouda says it is “game over” for Barrow and promises action on crime, corruption, poverty and tribalism. Domestic Debt Alert: An opinion piece flags The Gambia’s domestic debt rising to about D55.43bn, warning that heavy short-term borrowing could crowd out development.

Black Stars coaching talks: Ghana’s GFA says negotiations are ongoing to appoint a new head coach after Carlos Queiroz’s short deal expired, with Gideon Fosu insisting a coach will be named before the next competitive fixtures, including matches against Senegal and upcoming qualifiers. US visa ruling with Gambia in the list: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, saying it was “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—an outcome welcomed by immigration advocates. Gambia government milestone: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, funded by the Presidency, with cabinet ministers and religious leaders attending and the Imam urging peace, unity, and stability. Regional security cooperation: Nigeria and the UK expanded their cybersecurity partnership to tackle AI-driven cyber threats and financial cybercrime, focusing on intelligence sharing, resilience, forensics, and workforce development. Sports diplomacy by proxy: Liverpool transfer chatter dominated coverage, with reports of progress and setbacks in bids for Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh and PSG’s Bradley Barcola as the September 1 deadline nears.

US Court Blocks Trump Visa Freeze: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the Secretary of State’s authority. Gambia in the List: The ruling covers multiple African states named in the January directive, restoring access for affected applicants. Black Stars Coaching Talks: In football governance, the Ghana Football Association says it is in talks to appoint the next Black Stars head coach after negotiations with Carlos Queiroz reportedly stalled. Gambia Youth Diplomacy: NAYCOM Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai spoke at Liberia’s Model United Nations conference, urging young leaders toward diplomacy, civic responsibility and international cooperation. Local Governance Spotlight: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, with the ceremony drawing cabinet ministers, religious leaders and community residents. Regional Water Benchmarking: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kenya’s Kirinyaga to benchmark its eWATER model—an example of how rural water access partnerships can scale.

Gambia-US Immigration: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s January suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority over consular officers. The ruling restores processing for affected applicants, though it targets immigrant visas only. Black Stars Coaching: The Ghana Football Association says it is in talks to appoint the next Black Stars head coach after negotiations with Carlos Queiroz reportedly stalled. Banjul & Gunjur Community Life: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, with cabinet ministers and religious leaders attending, and the Imam thanking the Presidency for funding. Youth & Diplomacy: NAYCOM Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai spoke at Liberia’s Model United Nations conference, urging young leaders toward diplomacy, civic responsibility, and international cooperation. Sports (Gambia link): Liverpool’s pursuit of Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh continues after another rejected bid by Brighton, while Minteh publicly named his top five African Premier League players, omitting Mohamed Salah.

US Immigration Court Ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down a Trump administration policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, ruling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department chief’s authority; the list includes The Gambia and other African states, after the policy was justified as preventing “public charge” risk. Gambia Politics & Governance: President Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, with cabinet ministers and religious leaders attending, as the community celebrated a long-awaited project funded by the Presidency. Youth & Diplomacy: NAYCOM Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai spoke at Liberia’s Model UN conference, urging young leaders toward diplomacy, civic responsibility, and international cooperation. Regional Development: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kenya’s Kirinyaga to benchmark its eWATER model for rural safe water—an example of how partnerships and smart systems can expand access. Sports (Gambia-linked): Liverpool transfer talk kept circling Yankuba Minteh after Brighton rejected bids around £50m and £60m, while PSG’s Barcola and other targets remain in play; separately, Gambia forward Abdoulie Manneh is on loan to Cercle Brugge.

US Port Security Watchlist: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including The Gambia—meaning ships calling at these ports in the prior five visits may face extra security requirements when entering the US. West Africa Revenue Push: The AfDB launched a US$5.3m tax administration project for The Gambia and five neighbors, aiming to strengthen domestic revenue systems. Energy & Regional Diplomacy: Senegal confirmed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf as official participants in MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar (1–3 Dec). Politics & Governance Debate: A new essay argues France still shapes West Africa’s monetary path, warning ECOWAS leaders against blocking the Eco’s progress. Gambia in the Spotlight (Sports, diaspora): Multiple reports track Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh as Liverpool weigh bids after Brighton rejected offers, while another story notes a Gambian player’s loan move to Belgium.

Gambia in the spotlight abroad: Liverpool’s transfer push for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh hit another wall as Brighton rejected a reported £50m bid (and a later £60m approach), with Brighton valuing him at £70m+ and insisting on a “cut-price” deal not being an option. Injury complicates talks: Minteh is recovering from surgery on a right-leg injury picked up in a friendly vs Roma, expected to keep him out for about two months, but reports say he remains open to a move if clubs agree. Anfield reshuffle: The bids come as Liverpool search for a long-term Mohamed Salah replacement after his departure, with manager Andoni Iraola warning the squad is “quite thin” and promising more signings before the window closes. Regional governance, not football: In a separate West Africa policy push, the AfDB launched a US$5.3m tax administration project benefiting The Gambia and five neighbours, aiming to strengthen domestic revenue systems.

Opposition Politics & Alliances: Coalition 2026 says it will sign a political alliance today, bringing together eight parties and movements behind flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda, with a platform focused on good governance, unity, economic revival and accountable leadership. Opposition Realignment: Dr Ousman Gajigo’s Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA) has dissolved its merger with Gambia For All (GFA), citing irreconcilable timing differences, and will join the Unite/NUP alliance for the December 2026 election. Local Governance & Diplomacy: Talinding North councillor Babucarr Mansally urged President Adama Barrow and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue diplomatic passports to elected councillors, arguing visa rejections are blocking councillors from pursuing opportunities abroad. Presidential Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow toured major projects in Libreville, Gabon, and met Gambians living there during his visit. Human Rights & Migration Advocacy: A campaign in Malta is pushing to halt deportation of Gambian DJ Dollarino, detained after 18 years, urging the government to allow him to regularise his status. Education: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE school candidates’ digital certificates are now available online.